Moving Abroad? Here’s What You Need To Know
Moving abroad can be an exciting opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a different language, and even make some new friends. But it’s also scary - you’re uprooting your life and starting over in an unfamiliar place. From figuring out how to navigate your way through a foreign country to settling into a new culture, there is so much to consider when you decide to move abroad. So how do you prepare for the move? Luckily, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can tackle moving abroad head-on and make the most of being an expat and this exciting opportunity.
Good advice for an expat who has just made a move abroad. Photo by Toa Heftiba.
Preparing for Your Move Abroad
Before you move abroad, there are some essential preparations that will make all the difference in ensuring your transition goes smoothly. Here are some tips on what steps you should take before relocating.
Gather important documents: Make sure your passport is valid, obtain visas and residents permits if necessary, collect any official paperwork that could help in case of an emergency (birth certificates, medical records, etc.). And don’t forget to update all government documents with your current address so that any mail sent to your old address can still reach its intended destination.
Research your destination thoroughly: Before you start packing, it’s important to do some research on the country you plan on moving to. Learn about the laws, customs and traditions of the locals, as well as what type of visas and work permits are required for expats. It’s also helpful to familiarize yourself with their currency exchange rates; find out how healthcare works; understand the local language better by taking classes or learning basic phrases. Doing your due diligence will help ease any anxiety about the transition.
Pack light but wisely: When it comes to packing for your move abroad, don’t bring too much stuff - remember that there are limits on how much luggage airlines allow and storage space can be expensive depending on where you live. Stick with just the essentials or buy items when you get there if necessary. Make sure to bring items that will make settling into your new home more comfortable (i.e., photos and mementos of loved ones). Be mindful of restrictions on items like foodstuffs or liquids when packing for air travel.
Secure a place to stay: Whether it’s an Airbnb or hostel for short terms stays or an apartment rental for longer periods, having a temporary place to crash upon arrival will make settling into your new home much less stressful.
Be prepared financially: Money is always a consideration when moving abroad, especially if you plan on finding employment in that country. Do some research on average salaries so that you know what kind of salary range you should expect before negotiating with potential employers. Additionally, consider obtaining international health insurance, which will cover medical expenses if something unexpected happens while living overseas.
Set up bank accounts ahead of time if possible: This will give you access to funds quicker after arriving at your destination.
Two expats laughing together at a meetup event. Photo by Katie Treadway.
Settling In & Making Friends
When it comes time for relocation day itself, or even once you’ve arrived, there are some additional things that expats should keep in mind as they settle into their new home. Here are some tips for making friends and creating community after moving abroad.
Create your support system: The last thing you want when moving abroad is feeling lonely or isolated in a foreign land. That’s why it’s essential to create a support system of friends and family who can provide emotional support during this transition phase. Reach out to people who have already been through this experience or join online expat forums and/or social media groups where you can connect with like-minded individuals who are going through similar transitions.
Join clubs or activities related to hobbies/interests: One great way to meet people is by attending events hosted by organizations like embassies or international clubs; this gives expats an opportunity to engage with others who share similar interests while exploring their new home together. Additionally engaging in activities like volunteering or joining sports teams allows expats to connect with locals while doing something they love, this not only helps create community but also strengthens cultural awareness which can help make settling into a foreign country much smoother overall.
Attend meetups: Many cities have dozens of meetup groups centered around different topics such as sports teams, business networking groups, language exchanges, arts & cultural activities and more. It’s a great way to connect with locals who already share similar interests.
Attend cultural events: Whether its music festivals or museum openings these events are great opportunities for meeting people from all walks of life.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Don’t hesitate to approach locals if you have questions about where certain places or stores are located or other common inquiries.
Moving abroad can be intimidating at first but with proper preparation and research prior to relocation day, you can ensure that your transition period is as smooth as possible. But taking these steps ahead of time will make transitioning into a foreign country easier so that expats can focus more on enjoying their experience rather than worrying about things like visas or finding friends in their new home. Ultimately, remember that although there may be moments of discomfort along the way - by researching beforehand, understanding local customs, engaging with other expats through various forums or organizations and being open-minded throughout - you'll soon find yourself adjusted happily living life in another country. By following these tips expats should have no problem tackling any obstacles that come their way when moving abroad. Good luck with your move! :)